🏏 CA CEO Slams Short Tests as Business Killer

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Key Takeaways

1📊 20 wickets Day 1 at MCG risks AUD$5m loss like Perth
2🏆 94,199 record crowd can't save two-day Test finances
3💡 10mm grass pitch sparked 36 wickets/142 overs frenzy
4🔮 CA eyes interventions for balanced pitches ahead
5💬 'Bad for business' – Greenberg on Test format woes

"Todd Greenberg admitted to having a sleepless night with another two-day Test likely to incur huge losses"

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg issued stark warning after Boxing Day Test's 20-wicket frenzy at MCG: "Short Tests are bad for business," hinting at pitch interventions amid AUD$5m losses looming. Despite 94,199 record crowd and sell-outs, another two-day finish like Perth's spells financial disaster for Ashes 2025-26, even as series wraps with Australia leading 3-0.

CA banked on breaking attendance records with pre-sold tickets, but MCG's seam monster—20 wickets Day 1—mirrors Perth's 19-wicket collapse. Greenberg's sleepless night underscores Test cricket's vulnerability: unlike T20's predictability, five-day format risks huge hits when pitches overassist bowlers, threatening global appeal.

Pitch Preparations Under Fire

Matt Page left 10mm grass (up from 7mm vs India), unleashing unprecedented swing/seam. Stats: 36 wickets in 142 overs, unseen in modern era. Compare to 1930-31 Adelaide (fast flattener) or 2019 Headingley—here, bowlers like Tongue (5-45) dominated. England's win salvaged Day 2, but wasted Day 3 sell-out amplifies CA's US$3.3m peril.

Series Stakes and Commercial Blow

Australia's 3-1 lead secure, but England's four-wicket chase avoids 5-0 sweep, first win Down Under since 2011. For CA, repeated short Tests erode sponsorships, TV deals; Greenberg eyes curator tweaks for balance, impacting WTC points and future Boxing Days.

Intervention Era Dawns

Sydney finale looms: will CA mandate truer pitches? Fans watch for format's health—Greenberg's hints signal proactive stance, ensuring Tests endure as premium product amid T20 boom.